Where to travel in November

By Issy D’Arcy Clark for High Life magazine

Main image courtesy of Ben Roberts for High Life

September 2017

Looking to get a last-minute break in before the Christmas rush or perhaps you fancy a spot of early winter sun? We’ve gathered together our top picks for where to go in November, from Peru to Poland, Costa Rica to South Africa.

The beach…

With more than 1,000 miles of unspoiled sandy coastline but few tourists, Oman is one of the best-kept secrets for a November beach retreat. In its capital, Qurum Beach has the best selection of restaurants nearby. For a more artisanal experience, drive through the mountains to the rugged Qantab Beach, where local fishermen are happy to take small groups out for boat rides. Oman’s National Day is 18 November, the birthday of the country’s ruling sultan. The celebrations include traditional dancing, fireworks and camel racing.

Eat

Make the most of the beach and dine at The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat. Enjoy dinner with a glistening ocean view, perfect for a November stay as it’s open from mid-September to mid-May. Relish fresh seafood, choose from wonderful wines and soak up the euphoric atmosphere.

Oman is one of the best-kept secrets for a November beach retreat

Stay

Set across 124 luscious acres, below majestic mountains and overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is home to three charming hotels. Choose from the Al Waha (‘the oasis’), Al Bandar (‘the town’) or Al Husn (‘the castle’), for five-star relaxation, with a private and blissful beach.

The city...

Wrap up warm for the chillier weather come November, with low temperatures hitting 0°C. Join in with lively celebrations, from the vibrant Zaduszki jazz festival, Etiuda & Anima Film Festival, to the opening of the Krakow Christmas markets. Wander through the Old Town and admire the gothic architecture and try a Polish vodka mix drink to keep the cold at bay.

Eat

Tuck into a traditional Polish breakfast of semolina porridge, sweet omelette, cake drizzled with yogurt or try a kanapki (open sandwich) for a late breakfast, at the Hotel Stary. Dine in the hotel restaurant, Trzy Rybki, for dinner and enjoy a winter menu of game, truffles and forest fruits. Make time to try the tantalising eight-course tasting menu with wine.

Stay

With a location in the heart of the city, Hotel Senacki is surrounded by sensational architecture, from gothic to renaissance, as well as cobbled streets and cafes bursting with character, discover an abundance of gems in this city. Close to the main square in the Old Town, relish a luxury boutique at this renovated 18th century tenement house.

The family trip...

Hike to the top of Table Mountain if your children are adventurers, or for the smaller ones, take the aerial cableway. Gaze out to glorious views and enjoy warming temperatures of 23°C. A journey down the Eastern Cape’s Cango Route is ideal for budding Attenboroughs. Venture through wildlife reserves to see mesmerising creatures, from elegant giraffes, hefty hippos, almighty elephants and many more.

Eat

Spoil yourself from the choice of dining, including Michelin menus, at Four Seasons, The Westcliff in Johannesburg. Soak up the views from restaurant Flames, where you can sip sundowner cocktails on the terrace and slice into scrumptiously grilled cuisine. Choose from a succulent selection of breakfast goodies, to keep the whole family happy at restaurant View and gaze across the extraordinary landscape.

Stay

Soak up the glorious waterfront location with a stay at Table Bay. Enjoy the views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the short walking distance to beautiful nearby beaches. Discover the nearby Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or relax by the poolside, whilst the kids make a splash. Take the children on the the complimentary shuttle service to various city stops and explore the wonders of Cape Town.

The big trip...

It’ll be the rainy season, but mid-November is the best time to visit this tropical paradise before crowds descend. Showers tend to be light and confined to afternoons, but you’ll benefit from a refreshed and thriving landscape. Go surfing by empty beaches and discover exotic wildlife in the national parks. From mangrove swamps to surf swells, volcanic peaks and white-water rivers, the country has breath-taking scenery to spare.

Eat

Kick back and tuck in, with the selection of several restaurants and five lounges/bars at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, on an All Inclusive stay. Variety is the spice of life and with a stay here, you can enjoy a la carte menus, buffets or private in-suite dining. Immerse yourself in the waterfront views at the Seaside Grill and be certain to unwind with a tipple at Manatees beach and poolside bar.

Stay

Discover a magical land in a spot of exclusivity, when you stay at El Mangroove. Light and nature beams through this hotel, echoing the landscape, with the reflection of woods, greenery and water. Relax on the golden shores of the beach, by the waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. Venture to national parks oozing with character, from glorious hot springs to extraordinary wildlife hiding in the jungles. Whether you want to unwind on a paddle board or join an excursion into the wild, this retreat holds the ticket.

Coffee break

The wild card…

October marks the end of peak season and December brings the rains, making November the ideal time to explore Peru. Take the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Poroy, near the ancient capital, Cusco, to Aguas Calientes, where you can explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. Looking for something different? North Peru is a surf hot spot, enjoy Cabo Blanco and Máncora for the best waves at this time of year, when waters are a balmy 19°C.

Eat

Discover delicious dining at the Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima. Let your senses melt when you savour the flavours in the Tragaluz restaurant, from a Peruvian selection, to Asian tastes too. Take a drink at the Belo Bar, a dazzling and chic venue with inventive cocktails to tickle your taste buds. Make a move to floor 11 to the Observatory restaurant for mesmerising breakfast views, as well as a variety of morning cuisine to leave you feeling more than satisfied.

Stay

Set within the area of Miraflores, in Lima, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima is a wonderful stop to break from your South America explorations. Just a short walk away from the beach and nearby to plenty of local sights, take it easy here. When you’re not making tracks to Machu Picchu or exploring Inca trails, you can lounge by the pool or rejuvenate in the spa and enjoy signature treatments.